🌱 Early Voting Underway For Tampa City Elections + Serengeti Flyer

Good morning, friends! It's Tuesday in Tampa and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community today. Today you'll learn about these stories and more...

• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has arrested 21 people in a gang-related drug crackdown called "Operation Checkmate"
• Serengeti Flyer is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Early voting is now underway in City of Tampa municipal elections

But first, today's weather: Humid with periods of sun. High: 82 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. 21 people allegedly associated with the Latin Kings gang have been arrested in a crackdown called "Operation Checkmate," which was intended to disrupt the gangs "distribution of deadly narcotics," according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Authorities said they seized over $800,000 in drugs and other items bought with illegal funds. (WFLA)
2. Serengeti Flyer is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for theme park visitors to enjoy. The new ride at the Tampa theme park allows guests to go up to 135 feet in the air at approximately 68 mph. It is located at the old Rhino Rally load station site. (Theme Park Insider)
3. Early voting is now underway in City of Tampa's municipal elections and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 5. Those voting early must be registered to vote in Hillsborough County and live within the City of Tampa's borders. Election Day is March 7. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
4. Polk County sheriff's detectives recently arrested 30 people in a child sex predator crackdown called Operation Child Predator III. Authorities are warning parents that the predators used social media platforms and online apps to lure children. Charges ranged from sending provocative photos and rude messages to kids to those who traveled to locations set up by undercover detectives to meet and have sex with children. (Lakeland Patch)
5. MayFest by Your Tampa Markets is coming to the Cigar City on May 6 and May 7 at Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Guests can enjoy food trucks, art, live painting, vintage clothing, and more. The event is family-friendly and will have special spots for kids to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)

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Today in Tampa:

• Special Called Board Meeting at Hillsborough County Schools. (10 a.m.)
• Tech Help at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (10:30 a.m.)
• Scrabble at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (12:30 p.m.)
• Downtown Tampa Food Tour. (5:30 p.m.)
• Date Nights In The Heights — DIY Charcuterie at Armature Works. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "KUUUUUUUCH! Congrats on 700 points! 🎉" (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We have acquired forward Tanner Jeannot from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Cal Foote and five future draft picks." (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared: "GOOD NEWS KEEPS COMING 🐷 Reuben, the pig, was adopted! He is going to a nice large piece of land to frolic in the grass, play in his pool, and eat his favorite fruit: apples." (Humane Society of Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The University of Tampa shared: "The University of Tampa ice hockey team won the 2022-2023 College Hockey South championship this past weekend. Head coach Lance Tackett was named 2022-2023 College Hockey South Coach of the Year: Congratulations to all." (The University of Tampa via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Echoes of Her presented by Moving Current Dance Collective (March 2)
• Sausage Fest (March 4)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com